There are advantages in being Irish. For instance, we all think we sing well. Another -- when we order a second drink, no one bats an eye. And, of course, there's the luck of the Irish. Ah, the luck. And that Irish luck struck home for this Irishman last week.
Golf Digest magazine holds a contest each year where contestants submit six words stating why they should play a U.S. Open course. The winner gets teamed up with three very good celebrity golfers along with some pretty famous caddies. No, I didn't win the contest, but I did luck out. This year, Larry Giebelhausen, a police officer from Arizona, won with his entry: "I'm a cop. I'll shoot low!"
On Friday, Larry had the opportunity to play Bethpage Black, accompanied by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and his caddy, PGA icon Fred Couples, Super Bowl-winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, with his caddy and last year's U.S. Open runner-up, Rocco Mediate, musician/actor Justin Timberlake and his caddy, a young star on the PGA Tour, Anthony Kim. Members of the media were limited and your "golf guy" was lucky enough to be part of the event.
The idea for the U.S. Open Challenge came from none other than the world's best player, one Tiger Woods, who said that it would be next to impossible for the average 10-handicapper to break 100 on a U.S. Open course. Golf Digest picked up on this and last year held the first U.S. Open Challenge. PGA players Kenny Perry and Chris DiMarco said Michael Jordan would not break 100 in this year's competition. "I'm thinking triple digits," DiMarco said. Perry added: "I've seen [Jordan's] golf game. He won't break 100."
This year the four participants had a combined handicap of 18. We've got some pretty decent players here, folks.
As advertised, media was limited, with only about a dozen of us in attendance. Having a USGA representative at our service, and accompanied by a dozen or so VIPS, which included the participant's wives, girlfriends and fiancées, our intimate little group walked inside the ropes, listening to the chatter between the players and caddies.
Just so you know, the contestants play by the book and take this very seriously. No gimmes or mulligans. The round took over six hours to play, a long time, but I could have stayed out there another six. This was, without a doubt, one of the best days I've ever spent on a golf course.
Following the awards ceremony on the 18th green, we were able to spend time with the players, who could not have been nicer. I asked Michael Jordan what he thought of Bethpage Black. "It's one of the top five courses I've played," he said, "and I've played some good ones." After hors d'oeuvres and drinks with the players and staff from Golf Digest and the USGA, it was time to put a lid on this great day.
So, are you wondering if anyone was able to break 100? I'm not going to spill the beans. You'll have to watch the broadcast, which will be aired before the final round of the Open on Sunday between noon and 1:30 p.m. on NBC. Here's a hint, though: These guys can play.
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My friend and Island's End Golf Club staff member Pat LePre passed away last week. Pat was a natural at golf. Taking up the game just 10 years ago, Pat never had a lesson and learned to play by hitting hundreds of balls a day. I loved watching Pat play golf. So pure and true. He could put it on a dime. The last two rounds I played at Bethpage Black I played with Pat. He shot in the low 80s both times. Bethpage Black is a special place. Knowing the last time I played golf with Pat was on the Black now makes it even more special. I will miss watching Pat and his effortless swing, but much more than that, I will miss Pat.